196,363 research outputs found
ABI: Analogy-Based Indexing for Content Image Retrieval
No full textMorphogeometric-based metrics are not always appropriate to describe high-level contents of images as well as to formulate complex
queries. People often find that two pictures as similar because they share relational predicates rather than objects attributes. In
particular, images can be related because they are analogous. Scientists, for example, use analogies to trace art influences across
different paints. In this paper, we focus on analogous relationships between groups of objects. The model we propose combines
primitive properties by mean of a logical reasoning engine to produce a hierarchical image description. Each picture is decomposed
into its spatial relations (physical layer), cognitive relations between objects within a group (group layer), and relations between
groups (meta-group layer). This new Analogy Based Indexing (ABI for short) for Content Image Retrieval, allows users to express
complex queries such as search for functional associations or group membership relations. A proof-of-concept prototype is also
discussed to verify the precision and the efficiency of the proposed system. Furthermore, an embedded visual language enables
pictorial queries composition and simplifies image annotation. The experimental results show the effectiveness of ABI in terms of
precision vs. recall curve diagrams
The mouse neuronal cell surface protein F3: a phosphatidylinositol anchored member of the immunoglobulin superfamily related to chicken Contactin
No full textNumerical Simulation of the Chloride Penetration in Cracked and Healed UHPC via a Discrete Multiphysics Model
No full textConcrete cracks in service conditions, and this accelerates the degradation of both cementitious matrix and steel reinforcement. The inherent capacity of cementitious materials of autonomously sealing the cracks might result in a higher durability in aggressive environments. Recently, at Politecnico di Milano, the effect of both autogenous and crystalline admixture-stimulated healing on chloride penetration has been experimentally investigated for an ultra high performance concrete (UHPC). In this research work, the whole laboratory campaign has been numerically simulated through a multiphysics-lattice discrete particle model (M-LDPM)-based numerical model, in order to validate its capability of simulating the effect of autogenous and stimulated healing on the chloride penetration. The healing process is simulated through an improved version of the hygro-thermo-chemical (HTC) model, in which the effect of cracks (opening and closure) on permeability is implemented. Aiming to capture the results obtained through the afore-mentioned experimental campaign, the healing model is coupled and harmonized with an existing M-LDPM-based chloride diffusion model for saturated and nonsaturated concrete. The numerical results prove the model capability of capturing both the reduction of chloride penetration due to the cracks sealing, and the different degree of closure reachable with and without employing crystalline admixtures as healing agents, and thus pave the way toward incorporation of the benefits of self-healing cement based materials in predictive modeling and design tools. The research activity from which this work stems was framed into the H2020 project ReSHEALience
RE-1 silencing transcription factor-4 (REST4) is neither a transcriptional repressor nor a de-repressor.
No full textHypokalemic myopathy associated with liquorice ingestion
No full textA case of hypokalemic myopathy with systolic hypertension due to chronic liquorice ingestion is described. The clinical features quickly receded on potassium replacement therapy and discontinuation of liquorice ingestion. The relationship between the clinical features and the blood values and instrumental data is shown. The aldosterone-like action of the active principle of liquorice is underlined
The Effect of Calcium Ions on hIAPP Channel Activity: Possible Implications in T2DM
No full textThe calcium ion (Ca2+) has been linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), although the role of Ca2+ in this disorder is the subject of intense investigation. Serum Ca2+ dyshomeostasis is associated with the development of insulin resistance, reduced insulin sensitivity, and impaired glucose tolerance. However, the molecular mechanisms involving Ca2+ ions in pancreatic β-cell loss and subsequently in T2DM remain poorly understood. Implicated in the decline in β-cell functions are aggregates of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP), a small peptide secreted by β-cells that shows a strong tendency to self-aggregate into β-sheet-rich aggregates that evolve toward the formation of amyloid deposits and mature fibrils. The soluble oligomers of hIAPP can permeabilize the cell membrane by interacting with bilayer lipids. Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ca2+ on the ability of the peptide to incorporate and form ion channels in zwitterionic planar lipid membranes (PLMs) composed of palmitoyl-oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine (POPC) and on the aggregation process of hIAPP molecules in solution. Our results may help to clarify the link between Ca2+ ions, hIAPP peptide, and consequently the pathophysiology of T2DM
Visual Authorization Modeling with Applications to Electronic Commerce
No full textTask-based security models let enterprises control access at the
application rather than the operating system level. The Visual Security Administrator (Visa) uses visual languages to represent steps in this authorization process with icons and gestures to
support security management by nontechnical users, such as enterprise managers
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